Thinking about taking shelter reminds me of being safe, tranquil, and at peace. My thoughts are immediately drawn to my mother's arms. We have been side by side for the last two months, as she has walked through her diagnosis of Lymphoma Cancer. Every morning, we both seek the arms of Jesus to receive strength and courage to overcome any and every obstacle that comes our way. It's amazing how each morning as the sun streams through the trees in our backyard and the birds are lightly singing, it feels like we've never seen or heard those sounds before. I see my mom walk into the bright, sunny kitchen with a big smile on her face, I smell the aroma of fresh coffee, and I thank God for another blessed day with her. We hug. We kiss each other on the cheek and we grin. Her beautiful face radiates with the love of God and her children as she seeks His face and fights for her life. We know that together with God's help, we can make it. It's amazing how we've taken health for granted for so long. Now, each moment of every day, is such a miracle as we wait and watch for any changes that may come to her body. I see this strong and independent woman grow weak as the chemotherapy treatments are injected. I tense up at any change I may even think I see. She is a fighter and works against these side affects as much as possible, but at times, they seem to win, but not for long. Just as I think she's down, she's walking swiftly down the long, hardwood floored hallway, and heading toward a project she wants to accomplish. I'm amazed at how swiftly things change. Hour to hour is totally different. The food she eats is different with each meal. The sound of her voice is different from morning to night. I watch her sleep curled up with a sheet and light blanket to keep the chill off. I see the little cap she wears now on her beautiful, sleek, shiny head to keep it warm. I hear her slight breathing and it reminds me that she is comfortable and relaxed sheltered in the arms of God, like a little child next to her mother's breast. This gives me peace and security knowing that He is in control every minute of every day. She has been through a totally different experience in the last two months but she has also become a completely different person. We all have! My whole family has been affected and been drawn closer than ever. We all run to the shelter of God and each other in a way that is inexpressible. We are all so very thankful for our mom and each other. We all are more sensitive to the hurts and needs of others. I'm sure we will be reaching out to the world as we finish our journey with mom's healing and share what we've learned. I will never forget the bond my mom and I are getting to share as we walk through this dilemna. Now, it's a brand new day outside, as I'm watching the sun shine through the green tree branches and a breeze rustling through the leaves outside my window. I can't wait to smell the fresh aroma of coffee brewing in the kitchen and run to the shelter of my mom's arms and watch her continue this day to day coasting to her healing!